Mascarene Swiftlet
NameMascarene Swiftlet
Common NameMascarene Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus francicus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty brown to dark grey-brown plumage, slightly paler on the underparts, particularly the throat and belly. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is distinctly forked.
Vocalization / CallEmits high-pitched chirps, clicks, and trills, including echolocation clicks used for navigation within dark caves.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, specifically found on Mauritius and Réunion.
Identifying Featureslong pointed wings, deeply forked tail, dark sooty plumage, echolocation ability, fast, erratic flight
Description
The Mascarene Swiftlet is a small, dark swift characterized by its long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail. It is an aerial insectivore, spending most of its life on the wing, and is notable for its ability to echolocate in dark caves where it nests.
